Free things to do in December

Get in the holiday spirit at one of these free events in Albuquerque, ranging from fireside stories to parades, artwalks and Christmas concerts.

Holiday Jingle at Avanyu Plaza

This event at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will feature live music, art, children's activities and more.

LOCATION: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th NW, 505-843-7270

HOURS: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 2

Stories by the Fireside

Join Indian Pueblo Cultural center in continuing the age-old tradition of telling stories around a bonfire. Each Saturday leading up to the holidays, IPCC will have a different Native American storyteller, cultural dances and refreshments. Instead of charging admission, IPCC is accepting new or lightly-used children's book, which will be donated to the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women. This event will be held outside, so please dress accordingly.

STORYTELLER SCHEDULE – 6-7 p.m.

• Dec. 2 - Michael Garcia (Santa Ana)

• Dec. 9 - Cloud Eagle (Jemez)

• Dec. 16th - Gary Keene (Acoma)

DANCE GROUP SCHEDULE – 5-6 p.m. (subject to change)

• Dec. 2- White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers (Apache)

• Dec. 9 - Cloud Eagle (Jemez)

• Dec. 16- Sky City Buffalo Ram Dancers (Acoma)

LOCATION: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th NW, 505-843-7270

HOURS: Doors open at 4:45 p.m. -7 p.m. Saturday Dec. 2, 9, 16

ADMISSION: A new or lightly used children’s book

Twinkle Light Parade

This year will feature 125 entries and more than 3,500 people participating in the parade.

LOCATION: Nob Hill, 3526 Central SE

HOURS: 5:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Holiday Concert KiMo Theater

Join the Albuquerque Concert Band in welcoming the holiday season.

LOCATION: 423 Central NE, 505-228-9857

HOURS: 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 3

Home for the Holidays Concert

The 77th Army Band will perform "Home for the Holidays" at Eldorado High School.

LOCATION: 11300 Montgomery NE, 505-296-4871

HOURS: 7 p.m. Monday Dec. 4

ABQ Artwalk

This holiday artwalk with feature holiday markets, new art exhibits and performances.

LOCATION: Downtown Albuquerque

HOURS: 5-9 p.m. Friday Dec. 8

Celebration of the Nativity

The Church of Jesus Christ Albuquerque invites the public to come and view displays of Nativity scenes from various cultures and traditions. The event will feature not only Nativity scenes, but also live musical performances and children's activities.

LOCATION: Church of Jesus Christ, Albuquerque, 1100 Montaño NW

HOURS: 12-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday Dec. 9

Noche De Familia: Invierno with Disney's Encanto

Join the National Hispanic Cultural Center for an Encanto viewing party including hot cocoa and biscochitos as well as winter crafts.

LOCATION: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth SW, 505-383-4771

HOURS: 5-7 p.m.

RSVP: The event is free, but please RSVP online to let NHCC know you are coming.

Christmas light viewing

This interactive map made by Albuquerque Area Holiday lights Tour shows where to find holiday displays, luminaries, Christmas trees, musical light shows and more.